30/11/2025

ON SUNDAY November 30, 2025 theSunday Special IV

The future of payments: (³Ü Ë®œïŒˆ commerce is transforming Malaysia’s à v¨¨ ‚ËÜ®ŒÃà ¨v®ˆÃƒv½Œ BY DAYANA SOBRI

A S Malaysia’s payment eco system grows more diverse and fragmented, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are facing a wave of change. From live selling to artificial intelligence, the future of commerce is being shaped by innovations that promise both opportunity and disruption. To understand how businesses are navigating this shift, theSunday Special spoke with Krishnaraj Tantri, senior vice president for South and SEA at Global Payments, who shared insights from the company’s latest Commerce and Payment Trends Report and explained how these developments are reshaping the region’s commercial fabric. T KH ULVH RI XQL¿HG FRPPHUFH Malaysia’s varied payments environment, with its mix of cash, cards, mobile wallets and QR codes, has driven a growing push IRU XQL¿HG FRPPHUFH SODWIRUPV “ 7KH VWURQJ VKLIW WRZDUGV XQL¿HG FRP merce platforms is primarily driven by WKH QHHG IRU RSHUDWLRQDO Ḣ FLHQF\ DQG enhanced customer experience,” said Tantri. “SMBs are increasingly recognising the importance of integrating various payment methods into a single, cohesive

platform. This transition is essential not only for streamlining operations but also for meeting consumer expectations for convenience and speed.” According to the company’s report, 67% of SMBs plan to increase invest PHQW LQ XQL¿HG FRPPHUFH VROXWLRQV 7KH hospitality and retail sectors are leading the charge, with 43% of retailers already using such platforms. “A smooth payment process is no longer just an operational necessity; it’s integral to providing a holistic customer experience that fosters loyalty and drives sales,” he added. ot so or rt, t KH ng dy no t’s er es

Micro entrepreneurs benefit most when technology becomes simple, accessible and affordable.”

Tantri